Democrats already looking at possible VP candidates to run on Clinton ticket

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- If national polls are any indication, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will likely be the Democrats' choice to succeed President Barack Obama -- but the lesser-asked question is, who will succeed Vice President Joe Biden?

As Democrats prepare for February's primaries and caucuses, some in the party's membership are giving the question some thought. It's also a question crossing the minds of voters.

Should Clinton receive the nomination at next summer's Democratic National Convention, it's anyone's guess right now who will stand on the podium next to her. But it appears there may already be front-runners for the post.

Reportedly among the possible running mates: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., former Maryland governor and presidential contender Martin O'Malley, and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro.

"It would be a balanced and diverse ticket, and it would be two firsts: a female as president and a Latino as vice president," Rep. Lacy Clay, D-Mo., said of a Clinton-Castro ticket. "I think it's a better reflection of America than what the other side can offer."

Another possible candidate is someone who already has plenty of experience in the post -- current Vice President Joe Biden.

Because the party is attempting to gain seats in Congress and provide a smooth transition from the Obama administration, Democrats may seek a youthful running mate who offers balance in race and gender matters, as well.

Analysts say Clinton may indeed choose a non-Caucasian to join her on the ticket to secure much of the minority vote that was so instrumental in getting Obama elected twice. Other possible candidates who would qualify in that regard are former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and California Attorney General Kamala Harris -- all of whom are black.

Some have even suggested a moderate Republican for the slot, a move that might bridge the partisan gap in Washington.

"I've spent 10 months now looking at every single poll and more focus groups than I can count. And you know what? It's not about age, and it's not about demography. It's about the economy," Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., said. "It's about people's paychecks."

Clinton is expected to name her running mate sometime next summer.